The move would cost $102 billion over 10 years, according to the analysis. Since the White House is considering making the move using administrative powers, it would not have to be financed through tax increases or spending cuts.

Such an examination of Treasury’s powers has been done before, by the administration of President George H.W. Bush, the Times noted in its story. The administration concluded the Treasury didn’t have the power to act on its own.

Seizing on the report, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said on Twitter that “everyone knows this must be done by legislation.” He added that Congress wouldn’t pass such a proposal if considered.

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